GMail Motion: Like Kinect for your inbox…

…if it existed.

Google has always celebrated April Fools Day with either pranks or nearly implausible product launches- GMail was thought, at the time it was announced, to be an elaborate prank because back then, the storage offered was crazy unbelievable. This year’s prank is a motion detecting GMail add-on described by Google as such:

Gmail Motion uses your computer’s built-in webcam and Google’s patented spatial tracking technology to detect your movements and translate them into meaningful characters and commands. Movements are designed to be simple and intuitive for people of all skill levels.

But Google warns:

Using Gmail Motion is not only safe but also healthy and fun. As with any physical activity, certain precautions are recommended. First, make sure to clear the area around you. Second, try to take short breaks every 30-40 minutes, just as you would if you were typing. And finally, take time to stretch after each session to give the muscles you’ll be using some relief.

Similar functionality for Google Docs Motion Beta is “coming soon.” (Click through for some hilarious pics of people miming pie charts.)